Tax preparation that is free of stress, fees

The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA) is being run by Life Transforming Ministries in Coatesville.

Tax outreach is being offered to area residents who qualify for the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA), which is run by Life Transforming Ministries in Coatesville.

Modeled after a similar IRS program, VITA has been helping low- and moderate- income households who file basic tax returns, including persons with disabilities, limited English proficiency, families, and older taxpayers who file Form 1040 for federal tax returns, since 2004.

Beginning Jan. 22, services will be available in Coatesville at the Open Arms/Life Transforming Ministries Building, 645 E. Lincoln Hwy. Hours are Monday from 6 to 8 p.m., Tuesday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m., and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Taxpayers will be accommodated first come, first serve; no appointment is needed. They should bring a photo ID; Social Security card; W2/1099 or other income records; information on deductions/credits, including the tax ID number for child-care providers; and a copy of last year’s return. If in doubt, include the data, organizers recommend. Income-tax materials can also be dropped off and picked up at a later time.

Since IRS-certified volunteers do the work on IRS-provided software, recipients will not be charged for basic tax-form preparation and filing. In the previous tax season, VITA volunteers returned over $1,200,000 to Chester County taxpayers, according to its web site.

Life Transforming Ministries is a friendship-based collaboration of area pastors and Christian leaders who continuously ask what they can do better when they combine resources. For more information, visit http://www.quietrevolution.org or call 610-380-9099.